The Tottenham Hotspur youngster has showcased just how good he really is this season.
Tottenham’s Harry Winks
Harry Winks’ rise to prominence at Spurs this season has been wonderful to see, and with young English players rarely being given an opportunity in the Premier League these days, it has made a refreshing change.
The problem for the 21-year-old midfielder is that Tottenham’s current crop of midfielders are such a strong and talented bunch, it is hard to imagine him playing more than just a peripheral role in the team over the next couple of years.
Mousa Dembele, 29, and Victor Wanyama, 25, have formed the base of one of the most solid midfield setups in the Premier League this season, and their superb displays have been a key contributing factor behind their side currently holding the joint best defensive record in the league.
In front of them, Mauricio Pochettino has arguably the best attacking midfielder in England to call upon – 20-year-old Dele Alli.
The Argentine also has Moussa Sissoko and Eric Dier amongst his options, should he need to alternate his line-up.
And as undeniably talented as Winks is, they are a lot of seriously accomplished international names he has to compete with.
So would a two-year-loan move away from the club actually benefit his development as an all-round player?
On paper, Winks has had plenty of action for Tottenham this season, with 32 appearances to his name. Only 11 of those outings have been starts, however, and only twice has he lined up from the start in the Premier League for Pochettino’s troops.
Despite his improvements this season, there is a good chance that he will once again play second fiddle next term, and with reports linking Spurs with a move for Ross Barkley (Daily Mail), it could be argued that his role will diminish even further still.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino speaks with Harry Winks
There will be plenty of clubs who could benefit from Winks’ skill set next season, such as Newcastle United or Bournemouth.
And it could be in the best interest of his long term future in north London for him to make a one or even two-year loan move away from Tottenham.
By doing that he could gain regular action, improve the manner in which he plays, learn from experience, and ultimately, show Pochettino what he can do on a consistent basis, rather than continue in a bit part role.
Or he could end up being the next Tom Carroll or Ryan Mason, and be forced to leave the club permanently in a few years time due to his lack of first team action.
The main question will be just how determined Harry Winks is to prove himself to Pochettino.
Tottenham’s Harry Winks in action
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